Beyond the music, parties, cookouts and alcohol, Mexico's history reveals a unique connection to Africa.

For my two young daughters, I'm on the search for authentic black dolls this Christmas. And not just any black dolls, but ones that look like real black girls and women. They, too, are beautiful enough to be center stage even amid an aesthetic that normalizes straight-haired, milky-skinned whiteness as the default and ideal.

Got a sexy party dress or new suit to squeeze into this holiday season? Or maybe an inauguration gown or tux to fit into in January? You need to find a way to push back from the table or buffet to avoid the holiday heft. It's not so hard, really! Here are a few pointers.

As the Obamas enter the holiday season as first family-in-waiting, Americans are eager for insight into their celebrations. After all, how they spend Turkey Day may give us a sense of the style, rituals and traditions they will bring to the White House.